Good research conduct

The University of Manchester’s Code of Good Research Conduct sets out our commitment to research integrity and our expectations of those who conduct research in our name.

We expect the highest standards of research integrity from the researchers we support, irrespective of the sources of their funding, their area of research, their experience as researchers, whether they are lone scholars or members of a research team or where the research is to be conducted.

Our commitment to research integrity

We’re committed to fostering the highest standards of research integrity within a pioneering research culture that values knowledge creation for its own sake, for the potential benefits it promises humankind and for the ways it enriches higher learning.

Research Integrity is given priority in the University’s strategic plan, Manchester 2020. Leadership in taking forward this priority is provided by the Associate Vice President for Compliance, Risk and Research Integrity.

The Code of Good Research Conduct sets out our expectations of our researchers. It is supported by a suite of policies and guidelines clarifying the standards of good research practice expected by the University.

We provide administrative support to enable researchers to conduct research in accordance with the standards of good research conduct. The University’s Research Governance, Ethics and Integrity Team provides information and support for individuals conducting research in regulated areas such as clinical trials and research involving human tissue, human or animal subjects, to enable them to comply with regulatory standards.

Research will be monitored or audited based on an assessment of risk so that we can be assured of compliance with regulations and standards. We will report annually to our Board of Governors on the implementation of our Code of Good Research Conduct.

All allegations of research misconduct are received centrally and considered under the University’s Code of Practice for Investigating Concerns about the Conduct of Research.

Our expectations of good research conduct

It is the responsibility of all researchers and staff supporting research to conduct their research in accordance with the ten Principles set out in our Code of Good Research Conduct and in compliance with relevant University policies.

Researchers must be open when conducting and communicating their research (subject to the terms and conditions of any research contracts and the protection of intellectual property and commercial exploitation). This includes:

the disclosure of any conflicts of interest;

the reporting of research data collection methods;

the analysis and interpretation of data;

making all research findings widely available (including sharing negative results as appropriate);

All research should be conducted in a manner which, so far as is reasonably practicable, is safe for researchers, participants, the University and the environment. Researchers must familiarise themselves, and comply with, the obligations set down by the University in its policies and guidelines, as well as relevant legislation and regulatory practice in this area.

Researchers should have respect for all participants in, and subjects of, research including humans, animals, the environment and cultural objects. The University expects all researchers to consider the ethical implications of their research and to be aware of their responsibilities to society, the environment, their profession, the University, research participants and the organisation(s) funding the research.

Established researchers are responsible for nurturing researchers of the future; fostering a constructive and supportive environment without undue pressure and ensuring that appropriate supervision, mentoring and training are provided.

Researchers should observe the standards of practice set out in guidelines published by professional societies, funding agencies and other relevant bodies, where appropriate and available. They must ensure that they have the necessary skills and training to conduct the research.